Break out the tea and crumpets. “Downton Abbey” has been renewed for a fifth season.

“As American audiences ready themselves for the January fifth premiere of Season 4, our devoted 'Downton' fans will rest easy knowing that a fifth season is on the way,” said “Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton in a media release.

Season 4 of the popular period drama recently completed its run in the UK, where it drew 11.8 million viewers on the average, making it Britain's highest rated drama of 2013. Earlier this year, more than 24 million viewers watched the third season of the series in the U.S., making it the most-watched drama in PBS history.

Neame, Executive Producer of Downton Abbey and Managing Director of Carnival Films, said, “Audiences have enjoyed their regular Sunday evening visits back to Downton once again this autumn and we are thrilled to produce a new series of the show next year. We promise all the usual highs and lows, romance, drama and comedy played out by some of the most iconic characters on television. All the actors and makers of the show continue to be humbled by the extraordinary audience response and want to take the show from strength to strength next year.

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